AnAppleIDIsNowRequiredToBookGeniusBarAppointments

Apple IDs are now required to book appointments at one of the company’s Genius Bars. Previously, users could fill out a form with name, address, and email in order to book an appointment, according to TechCrunch.
When you need to book an appointment online, you’ll be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password in order to confirm it. When doing so, the rest of your contact information will be added to the request. This information can be used by a Genius to look at past purchases. TechCrunch notes that the change could prevent scalping issues that were reported sporadically in China.
The Apple ID is becoming increasingly more important in the Apple ecosystem. Earlier this week, Apple introduced Touch ID, a fingerprint scanner on the new iPhone 5s. Touch ID can act as an Apple ID in order to make purchases in the iTunes Store.
Genius Bars are found at all Apple retail store locations. Ron Johnson, the former head of Apple retail, once referred to the Genius Bar as the “heart and soul of our stores.”
See also: Apple Posts iPhone 5C And iPhone 5S Introductory Videos On YouTube, and New OtterBox Cases Built For Touch ID-Equipped iPhone 5s Handsets